Projects
045 - Patient Preference and Perceptions of Decision-Making in Dental Implant Treatment
- Chief Investigator A: Cecilia So
- Chief Investigator B: Roy Judge
- Chief Investigator C: Roisin McGrath
Background
Shared decision-making (SDM) is advocated as best practice in implant dentistry, yet patient experiences and preferences in implant treatment remain underexplored. Variation in clinician confidence and treatment protocols may influence how treatment options are presented to patients, potentially affecting decision quality and outcomes.
Objective
To evaluate patient-reported experiences of shared decision-making, controlled preferences, and perceptions of implant treatment consultations, comparing patient age groups and education, and clinician demographics.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey of patients presenting for implant consultation or treatment was conducted. Participants completed validated instruments including the Shared Decision-Making Questionnaire-9 (SDM-Q-9) and patient-reported outcome measures (PRO-DIT17). Data were stratified by: (1) patient age and education level; (2) clinician experience (surgical vs. restorative implant practitioners); and (3) controlled preferences (patient desire for involvement in decision-making). Associations between SDM experiences, controlled preferences, and PROMs were analysed.
Expected Outcomes
This study will identify demographic and clinical factors influencing patient perceptions of SDM in implant dentistry, reveal differences in decision-making experiences between surgical and restorative clinician groups, and establish relationships between SDM quality, patient preferences. Findings will inform strategies to enhance SDM implementation and reduce variation in implant care delivery.
